From Government Halls to Global Investments
Evija Segleniece’s journey from a Latvian government official to a leading figure in Dubai’s luxury real estate market is nothing short of inspiring. While serving as the Head of the Foreign Investment Attraction Division at Riga Municipality, a pivotal moment occurred at MIPIM in Cannes. A CEO of a national real estate company remarked, “Evija, you would make a much bigger impact helping foreign investors directly.” This insight prompted her to transition into the real estate sector, where she discovered a realm of international opportunities.
Building Trust Through Relationships
Evija’s strength lies in her ability to forge lasting relationships. Over the years, she has cultivated trust with investors, some of whom have relied on her expertise for over a decade. Her clients, ranging from thought leaders to celebrities, often refer their business partners and family members to her, a testament to her credibility and the value she brings.
Mastering the Art of Luxury Real Estate
Her initial foray into real estate involved commercial sales, focusing on hotels and investment properties—a natural progression from her hospitality background. Within six months, she was entrusted with creating and leading the Off-Plan Sales Department, managing 60 projects and a team of seven. This role honed her skills and prepared her for the luxury market.
She also worked for globally recognized corporate real estate brands including Sotheby’s, JLL, and Knight Frank, which played a crucial role in shaping her into the professional she is today.
Relocating to Lisbon, Portugal, Evija faced the challenge of a language barrier. Demonstrating determination, she learned Portuguese in three months, studied the market diligently, and quickly emerged as a top producer in luxury sales. Her empathetic and elegant approach resonated with clients, setting her apart in a competitive industry.
Leading in Dubai’s Branded Residences Market
Currently, Evija serves as the Sales Manager at Binghatti, a prominent real estate company in Dubai. She specializes in ultra-luxury branded residences, including Bugatti Residences, Mercedes-Benz Places, and Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences. With over 12 years of international luxury real estate experience, she focuses on building a robust broker network in the UAE and forming strategic partnerships to deliver exceptional value to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
Dubai: The Epicenter of Branded Residences
Dubai has emerged as a global leader in branded residences, surpassing traditional markets like New York, Miami, and London. In 2024 alone, over 120 branded developments were launched in the city, reflecting a growing demand among wealthy buyers for residences associated with luxury brands. These properties often command premiums up to 69% above their non-branded counterparts, offering exclusive amenities and a status symbol appeal.
The city’s strategic location, coupled with its luxurious offerings, has attracted a diverse international clientele. Developers are increasingly collaborating with high-profile brands to meet this demand, resulting in a surge of branded residential projects across Dubai.
Empowering Through Authenticity
Evija believes in the power of authenticity. She advises aspiring professionals to be bold, curious, and genuine. “Never dim your light,” she says. “Be unapologetically you. Don’t follow the script—connect with people genuinely.” Her approach emphasizes the importance of humility, continuous learning, and adding value in every interaction.
Redefining Luxury Real Estate
For Evija, luxury real estate transcends square footage and location. It’s about lifestyle, belonging, and emotional connection. She aims to redefine how luxury properties are presented and sold, focusing on storytelling and creating meaningful experiences for clients. Her vision is to inspire others, especially women, to trust themselves, dream boldly, and view every experience as a step forward.
Connect with Evija
To follow Evija’s journey and insights into the luxury real estate market, connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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